One of�EXILE's�performers, AKIRA, will make an appearance on NHK's ongoing Taiga drama, "Gou~Himetachi no Sengoku~", in which Ueno Juri takes the place of the lead star.

AKIRA's role will be "Hashiba (=Toyotomi) Hidekatsu", who is Gou's (Ueno) first love, and who eventually ends up as her second husband.

This will be the first�appearance�for AKIRA in a Taiga drama, and also the first time he has played the role of a samurai. �AKIRA, who has been receiving a high valuation of his acting ability, stated, "I expect to learn and develop a lot by co-starring with Japan's great leading actors, including Ueno Juri-san. �I will work the hardest, putting all my heart in it."

AKIRA's first appearance will start on the 17th episode, which will be broadcasted on May 1st.

Source & Photo: Oricon Style